The 2008 Pokémon Trading Card Game World Championships as well as the first-ever Pokémon Video Game Showdown will take place this weekend at the Hilton near Downtown Disney.

The Pokémon Video Game Showdown will feature 64 of the most talented players from the U.S. and Japan competing in two different age divisions. U.S. qualifiers were selected from two regional tournaments held in Los Angeles and New York on July 12 and July 19, respectively. More than 1,000 players from ages 6 to 43 came from all over the country to battle playing Pokémon Diamond or Pokémon Pearl for the opportunity to compete against the best players from Japan. Participants will strive for the chance to call themselves a champion and win a grand prize that includes a six-day vacation package for four to New York City, Honolulu, or Tokyo. Runners up will win custom Nintendo DS game systems and special Pokémon prize packs.

The 2008 Pokémon Trading Card Game World Championships follow a record-setting U.S. National Championships in June, which drew nearly 1,000 competitors. Hundreds of players from nearly 30 countries will compete in the invite-only event for the title of Pokémon TCG World Champion. The top 32 winners in each of the three age divisions will be awarded various Pokémon prizes and merchandise, including scholarship awards worth more than $100,000.

The Pokémon animated series is broadcast in more than 30 countries in over 25 languages. Nintendo’s Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl games sold more than one million copies in the first five days and more than 14 million copies since their launch. The Pokémon Trading Card Game is the number one collectible trading card game and boasts more than 80,000 organized play members.

Squeeze in one more “summer” getaway without breaking the bank through Orlando’s second annual Endless Summer promotion. Running from Aug. 15 through Nov. 15, the program offers more than 80 “Get One Free” offers.

Created by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau for the long-weekend getaway traveler, Endless Summer provides such deals as “Stay 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Night Free,” “Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free,” “Buy 1 Ticket, Get the 2nd Free” and “Purchase 1 Round of Golf, Get the 2nd Round Free,” with more offers available as the kick-off date approaches.

“Get One Free” offers are available at a wide range of accommodations from value to luxury including: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes; Orlando World Center Marriott; The Point Orlando Resort; Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort; Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal; Quality Inn Plaza and Radisson World Gate, to name a few.

“Free Ticket” offers include popular local attractions such as Gatorland, Fun Spot, Magical Midway, SkyVenture and Dinosaur World. A “Purchase 1 Round of Golf, Get the 2nd Round Free” offer is available at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club.

“No matter your age, summer evokes feelings of fun, whimsy and a carefree attitude. And while the calendar may say that it’s fall, we can still embrace the opportunity to hold on to those summer feelings a little longer through a quick-break getaway,” said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando CVB. “Whether you want to take the grandkids to world-class attractions, hit the road with the guys for a golf-filled weekend, take that long overdue romantic getaway or relax in a spa with your best friends, Endless Summer in Orlando appeals to all and puts a little money back in your wallet in the process.”

More information on all Endless Summer “Get One Free” offers, participating establishments and special events is available at www.orlandoinfo.com/endlesssummer or by calling 1-888-ORL4-FUN (888-675-4386). While in Orlando, visitors can stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row. The Visitors Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and is closed Dec. 25).

Veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway gives his autograph to a fan during 2007 training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will come back for their seventh NFL training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex starting tomorrow through Aug. 14. The team’s daily practices are free and open to the public, with the schedule often incorporating two-a-day sessions in the morning and afternoon.

The Buccaneers have produced three division titles and one Super Bowl championship since first arriving at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in 2002. Fans once again will be allowed the unique access to witness the daily workouts and drills that NFL players undertake in preparation for the rigorous regular season, along with routine autograph opportunities following practice.

First up is the Hall of Fame ceremony which was held at the Amway Arena Saturday night. Next up on Sunday morning was the benefit for Make-A-Wish, the Bacon, Bagels & Biceps Brunch held at The Rosen Centre hotel off International Drive. In addition to wrestlers Batista, Matt Hardy, The Miz, John Morrison, Kelly Kelly, Carlito, Torrie Wilson, Shelton Benjamin, Mr. Kennedy, Beth Phoenix and Rey Mysterio, celebrities Raven-Symoné, Kim Kardashian and Snoop Dogg were there.

The last pictures are from WrestleMania XXIV, which set an attendance record of 74,635 at the Citrus Bowl on Sunday night.